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Why Slow Drivers Should Get Out of the Left Lane

For the second week in a row, I find myself approvingly citing Ezra Klein. This week the Vox editor is featured in a cleverly-produced video that focuses on one of my pet peeves: people who drive slowly in the left lane. (For the record, driving the speed limit qualifies as relatively slow.)

As the video points out, there are basically two types of drivers in America: 1) Those who get annoyed on a daily basis with people who drive slowly in the left lane; 2) People who are oblivious to group one (or just don’t care about having a civilized, functioning society).

I’m not sure anything on this earth aggravates me more than group two. I strive for patience and understanding when I find myself behind someone going 54 mph in 55 mph zone. Perhaps some day I’ll achieve it, but most days I turn into the Incredible Hulk.

It starts with exaggerated fidgeting, followed by utterances of unprintable words. Next comes exasperated arm-waving, followed by horn beeping. Then I turn green and rip my shirt off. I can’t explain why I do this; I just do. It probably has something to do with getting where I want to go more quickly, but perhaps it’s simply frustration with people who are ignorant or dismissive of driving etiquette. (I suspect it's the latter. I often think about this when I drive, which makes me turn green faster.)

Personal gripes and physical mutations aside, the Vox video makes a strong case that people driving slowly are public safety hazards. In fat, they are more dangerous than people who speed. This is why, Klein points out, all 50 states have some law that restricts use of the left lane. Watch the clip for yourself:

According to Vox, police are writing more tickets to people driving slowly in the left lane. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? What do you think? (You already know what I think.)